May Books
FICTION
Trust, by Hernan Diaz
Even through the roar and effervescence of the 1920s, everyone in New York has heard of Benjamin and Helen Rask. He is a legendary Wall Street tycoon; she is the daughter of eccentric aristocrats. But at what cost have they acquired their immense fortune? This is the mystery at the center of Bonds, a successful 1937 novel that all of New York read. Yet there are other versions of this tale of privilege and deceit. Diaz’s Trust is an unparalleled novel about money, power, intimacy and perception that puts these competing narratives into conversation with one another.
Bitter Orange Tree, by Jokha Alharthi
Zuhour, an Omani student at a British university, attempts to form friendships and assimilate in Britain, but she can’t help ruminating on the relationships that have been central to her life. Most prominent is her strong emotional bond with Bint Amir, a woman she always thought of as her grandmother, who passed away just after Zuhour left the Arabian Peninsula. As the historical narrative of Bint Amir’s challenged circumstances unfurls in captivating fragments, so too does Zuhour’s isolated and unfulfilled present, one narrative segueing into another as time slips and dreams mingle with memories. Bitter Orange Tree is a profound exploration of social status, wealth, desire, and female agency by the Man Booker International prize-winning author.
Metropolis, by B.A. Shapiro
In this masterful novel of psychological suspense, the lives of a cast of unforgettable characters intersect when a harrowing accident occurs at the Metropolis Storage Warehouse in Cambridge, Massachusetts. We meet Serge, an unstable but brilliant street photographer who lives in his unit overflowing with thousands of undeveloped pictures; Zach, the building’s owner, who develops Serge’s photos as he searches for clues to the accident; Marta, an undocumented immigrant who is finishing her dissertation and hiding from ICE; Liddy, an abused wife and mother, who recreates her children’s bedroom in her unit; Jason, who has left his corporate firm and now practices law from his storage unit; and Rose, the office manager, who takes kickbacks to let renters live in the building and has her own complicated family history. As they dip in and out of one another’s lives, Shapiro, the New York Times bestselling author, both dismantles the myth of the American dream and builds tension to an exciting climax.
NONFICTION
Phil: The Rip Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar, by Alan Shipnuck
A juicy and freewheeling biography of legendary golf champion Phil Mickelson, who has led a big, controversial life. In this raw, uncensored and unauthorized biography, the longtime Sports Illustrated writer and bestselling author captures a singular life defined by thrilling victories, crushing defeats, and countless controversies. All of Mickelson’s warring impulses are on display in these pages: a smart-ass who built an empire on being the consummate professional; a loving husband dogged by salacious rumors; a high-stakes gambler who knows the house always wins but can’t tear himself away. While celebrating Mickelson’s random acts of kindness and generosity of spirit — to which friends and strangers alike can attest — Shipnuck writes about the true scale of Mickelson’s gambling losses; the inside story of the acrimonious breakup between Phil and his longtime caddie, Jim “Bones” Mackay; and the secretive backstory of the Saudi golf league that Mickelson championed.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
My Blue-Ribbon Horse, by Elizabeth Letts
Even if it’s just a backyard pony, there’s something extraordinary about the bond between a horse and their human. And it’s made even more amazing when that backyard pony has an extraordinary ability. This tale of Snowman, the jumping pony, is perfect to share with anyone in the mood for a true feel-good story. (Ages 4-8.)
Kitty, by Rebecca Jordan-Glum
A simple weekend of cat sitting becomes a wild adventure in this hilarious story of mistaken identity. (Ages 3-6.)
Perfectly Pegasus, by Jessie Sima
If you’ve ever wished on a falling star, you’ll have wished for a book as sweet and adorable as this one. And maybe you also wished for a friend . . . guess what? Perfectly Pegasus has that too. Delightful magical fun from the author of Not Quite Narwhal. (Ages 3-6.)
Once Upon a Time, by Stuart Gibbs
Tim is just a peasant, but he’s brave, determined, clever and dreams big. When Princess Grace is abducted by the evil Stinx, Prince Ruprecht needs a legion of knights to aid him in her rescue. Tim doesn’t know how to wield anything more dangerous than a water bucket, but this could be his big chance. Share this one as a family read-together or listen to the amazing audio, but don’t miss the first in what will surely be another wildly successful series from Gibbs. (Ages 7-12.) PS
Compiled by Kimberly Daniels Taws and Angie Tally.
